What is Lupus?
Lupus is a severe condition that occurs when the immune system creates autoantibodies that viciously attack and harm different organs, joints, and skin, leading to excruciating pain and inflammation.
Lupus Facts
Be aware that lupus is not a contagious disease.
Please be aware that Lupus is not, under any circumstances, a sexually transmitted disease.
You can live a regular life with lupus with the proper—medications and care from doctors.
It is an undeniable fact that Lupus affects African-American women more frequently than any other race.
It is well-known that lupus affects women nine times more frequently than men.
It is important to note that Lupus can affect both men and women, but it must be emphasized that it may have a significantly more severe impact on men in some cases.
One of the most frequently experienced symptoms of lupus is joint pain, which can occur in any joint and range from mild to severe. This can lead to stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. Fatigue is another common symptom, which can be debilitating and affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities. It is important to note that lupus symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, including skin rashes, fever, and organ damage.
It is typical for the diagnosis of lupus to take several years due to the absence of a definitive test or procedure.
It is important to note that lupus affects individuals differently, and what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Lupus can be categorized into four distinct categories.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting various body organs. It is the most common type of lupus, and when people say they have lupus, they usually refer to SLE. This disease can affect major organs such as the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, heart, joints, and brain. Symptoms of SLE can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. It is a complex disease that requires ongoing medical treatment and management.
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus causes rashes and lesions on the skin. The discoid rash is common and can be itchy and painful. The butterfly rash appears on the cheeks and nose bridge. Other rashes, sores, hair loss, and skin pigmentation changes may occur. 10% of people may develop systemic lupus.
Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus is a lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs. This form of lupus is the least common of the different types of lupus. The most common medications connected with drug-induced lupus are Hydralazine, which is for blood pressure; Procainamide, which is for irregular heart rhythms; and Isoniazid, which is for treating tuberculosis.
Neonatal Lupus is a rare condition affecting infants born to mothers with lupus. It is not a valid form of lupus. The condition is caused by antibodies from the mother acting upon the infant while in the womb. The infant may develop a skin rash, liver problems, or low blood cell counts at birth. However, these symptoms disappear completely after several months, with no lasting effects. Some infants with neonatal lupus may also have a severe heart defect. Proper testing can help physicians identify at-risk mothers, and the infant can be treated at or before birth.
Common Lupus Treatments
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) To alleviate mild pain and swelling in your joints and muscles, you can consider taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin, Celebrex, or Toradol. However, it's crucial to consult with your doctor before taking any of these medications, as their suitability may depend on your lupus condition.
Corticosteroids (Steroids): If you experience swelling, tenderness, or pain, corticosteroids are the solution. They work by calming your immune system down and come in different forms: pills, injections, or creams for direct skin application. Lupus patients will feel better soon after taking these medications, but prolonged use can be harmful to your body. Gradual decrease of the dosage is necessary once you start feeling better. Suddenly stopping these medications can also be quite damaging. Different types of corticosteroids are available, including Prednisone (pill/IV), Aristocort (topical cream), Decadron (pill), Mometasone (inhaled), and Cotolone (injection).
Antimalarial drugs: Antimalarials are used along with steroids and other medications to reduce the dose required of the other drugs. Antimalarials are often prescribed for skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and joint pain. They can be effective in mild forms of lupus, where inflammation and blood clotting are a concern. Antimalarials improve lupus by decreasing autoantibody production; this protects against the damaging effects of ultraviolet light from the sun and other sources and improves skin lesions. Here are the names of the two antimalarial medications that doctors put every lupus patient on: Plaquenil and Aralen.
Immunosuppressive agents/chemotherapy: Immunosuppressive drugs are medications used in severe cases of lupus, mainly when lupus affects significant organs and other treatments do not work. These medicines can cause serious side effects. They lower the body’s ability to fight infections by suppressing the immune system. People taking Immunosuppressive drugs are at a higher risk of disease, so it is imperative to stay away from people with colds or other illnesses, always wash your hands regularly, and maintain good personal hygiene. You may not realize you are sick if you are also taking steroids and Immunosuppressive drugs because the steroids may suppress your fever symptoms. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of infection or illness. Here are the names of Immunosuppressive drugs: Azathioprine (Imuran), Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Leflunomide (Arava), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Chlorambucil (Leukeran), Nitrogen Mustard (Mustargen), and Benlysta.
Doctors may prescribe a variety of medications to lupus patients, including high blood pressure pills, blood thinners, anxiety and anti-depression pills, pain medication, and patches. In addition, taking vitamins and herbal supplements can also be beneficial.
Types of Doctors
Depending on the person, Lupus patients can see many different types of doctors. Here is a list of different kinds of doctors you may have to see.
Rheumatologist- The primary physician for lupus patients specializes in arthritis, joint, muscle, and bone diseases, and certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nephrologist- A nephrologist specializes in treating kidney diseases. If you have kidney problems due to lupus, this is the doctor to see.
Dermatologist- AA dermatologist specializes in treating diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. If you have discoid lupus, seeing a dermatologist is important.
Gastroenterologist- A gastroenterologist is qualified to diagnose and treat digestive diseases like stomach and intestines. Lupus patients take a lot of medications that can cause mild to severe side effects, and when that happens, a gastroenterologist is a doctor to see.
Hematologist- If you have lupus, you may experience low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, causing anemia. Consultation with a hematologist is recommended in such cases. They are medical experts who focus on studying, detecting, healing, and averting blood-related illnesses and disorders of the lymphatic system. It's not necessary for all people with lupus to see a hematologist, but it can be helpful in certain cases.
Pulmonologist- If you are experiencing lung conditions or diseases related to lupus, seeking the expertise of a pulmonologist can significantly benefit you. These professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating such issues, providing the necessary care and support to improve your respiratory health.
Cardiologist- I've learned that a cardiologist is a highly trained doctor who focuses on helping people with heart problems. They are skilled at identifying and treating a wide range of heart-related issues and work tirelessly to help their patients feel better. conditions and abnormalities. If your lupus affects your heart, this is the doctor to see.
Neurologist- If you're dealing with lupus-related headaches or seizures, seeking a specialist who can help is essential. Neurologists are experts in treating conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Endocrinologist- If you're struggling with hormonal imbalances, it may be helpful to see an endocrinologist. These specialists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat diseases related to the glands responsible for releasing hormones. Lupus can significantly impact hormone levels, so it is vital to consult an endocrinologist with the necessary expertise in this area.
Psychologist- Living with lupus can be a stressful experience that might lead to depression, a common occurrence. If you're experiencing any form of depression, seeking the services of a psychologist to talk to someone is advisable. Psychologists are medical professionals who study the brain concerning human behavior and personality. They engage in conversations with people to promote positive mental health and personal development. Clinical psychologists aim to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. Remember that your mental health is crucial when coping with lupus.
Perinatologist- If you are living with lupus and are considering having children or are already pregnant, it's crucial to enlist the assistance of a perinatologist. This medical specialist specializes in caring for fetuses in high-risk pregnancies. Although lupus patients can have successful pregnancies, those with SLE may encounter more risks. To maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy, delivery, and healthy baby, strive to be as healthy as possible before conceiving.